Complex Terrain Wind Model Evaluation
Abstract
The Winds on Critical Steamline Surfaces (WOCSS) complex terrain wind flow model is designed to simulate lateral, mechanical forcing effects on air flows along elevated, solid boundaries, these effects exert significant influence on observed flow field properties, such as transport and diffusion. The degree to which WOCSS model outputs are more reliable than a basic mass consistency model (that does not address lateral forcing dynamics in complex terrain) is discussed in terms of statistical and spatial results, and conclusions regarding this comparison are presented. Results indicate that the WOCSS model does not predict directional changes resulting from lateral forcing, which is a serious limiting factor in its potential application. The WOCSS model was also found to have an oversimplified mass consistency algorithm, averaging speed-up effects over the entire lateral free-flow surface, which restricts prediction of localized lateral speed-up effects in the vicinity of mechanical flow obstacles. Finally, the WOCSS model tends to over-predict the quantity of flow restricted space under both stable and unstable conditions in the transition from moderate to rugged complex terrain when wind speeds are generally less than or equal to 4.0 m/s. However, despite the observed WOCSS model limitations, the WOCSS model did demonstrate the potential to selectivity predict reasonable and significant dynamic lateral forcing spaces over a variety of terrain and stability conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA266467
Entities
People
- Martin E. Lee
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory